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Thermal stress due to cooling: nature of stress developed in a bar cooled to −5°C A straight uniform bar is cooled down to −5°C. Assume the bar's ends are fully restrained against axial movement so that free contraction cannot occur. Identify the nature of stress developed due to cooling.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Tensile stress

Explanation:


Assumption
The bar is restrained longitudinally (standard design assumption unless “free to expand/contract” is stated). If unrestrained, thermal stress would be zero.


Concept
Cooling tends to contract the bar by α·ΔT. Restraint prevents contraction, inducing a tensile stress to balance the prevented strain.


Step
If restrained, σ = E·α·|ΔT| (tension under cooling).


Final Answer
Tensile stress.

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